Sawyer Products · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Sawyer Pack of (8) 6-oz Cans 20% Picaridin Continuous Spray
Lower concern, but no PFAS disclosure provided for this product.
Picaridin is a synthetic repellent not inherently formulated with PFAS. Aerosol cans sometimes contain fluorinated propellants with no transparency.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
20% picaridin active ingredient in aerosol spray can
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Inhalation risk from aerosol mist
Spray application generates fine particle aerosol that can be inhaled, potentially irritating respiratory tract. Risk is low in outdoor use but increases in enclosed spaces; no specific inhalation toxicity study is available for this formulation.
Pressurized container rupture or leakage
Aerosol cans can rupture if exposed to high heat, fire, or physical damage. Improper storage near heat sources increases risk; this is a use/storage hazard rather than a chemical one inherent to the product.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Skin irritation or sensitization (picaridin itself)
Picaridin 20% is not listed as a dermal irritant or sensitizer in EPA toxicity summaries at this concentration. Rare allergic reactions are possible but not documented as recurring issues for this product.
Propellant and residual solvents
Typical propellants in insect-repellent sprays (hydrocarbons or compressed gas) are not classified as high-hazard at normal exposure levels. No specific propellant composition is disclosed by Sawyer for this product.
Heavy metals
Picaridin, as a synthetic organic compound, is not associated with heavy-metal contamination. No recalls or testing failures are on record for Sawyer picaridin products.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This product is a 20% picaridin aerosol insect repellent in an 8-pack of 6-oz spray cans. Picaridin (1-(2-methylpropyl)-2-(2-methylpropyl)-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one) is a synthetic repellent derived from pepper plants, chemically distinct from older agents like DEET. The active ingredient itself has a well-studied safety record in topical application, with low dermal absorption and minimal systemic toxicity in normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sawyer Products is a long-established repellent and water-filter manufacturer with no major safety recalls on picaridin products in public records. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS content or testing for this spray product, despite PFAS being present in some insect repellent formulations as a processing aid or carrier. No third-party certifications (EPA, NSF) are stated on this product.
How it compares in its category
Picaridin 20% is considered the mid-tier option between lower-dose DEET sprays and higher-concentration alternatives. Sawyer's formulation is comparable to competitors like Repel and OFF in efficacy claims and ingredient transparency, though none of these brands routinely disclose PFAS testing. Picaridin is generally considered a lower-irritant alternative to DEET for skin application.
If you buy it
Apply spray in well-ventilated areas; avoid spraying directly on face, eyes, or open wounds. Do not inhale aerosol mist during application. Store cans upright in cool, dry conditions away from heat sources (above 120°F can increase pressure and risk of leakage). Replace cans once empty; pressurized containers are not refillable. Wash treated skin after outdoor use and before eating or touching eyes.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Sawyer Products has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More outdoor furniture cushion protectants grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.